Lamanai Maya Temples & the New River Safari

Belize is a country of Maya history, diverse flora and fauna, and gorgeous rivers and streams. In the rainforest of the Orange Walk District, this tour combines these elements into one day’s adventure. The tour offers hotel pick up from Belize City, and even the two hour drive to the river is scenic and informative, with guides narrating the route.

At Lamanai Landings, refreshments are handed out to fuel travelers for the adventure ahead. The riverboat waits at the landing to take passengers on a cruise down the New River, made up of many little creeks and lagoons. Wading birds such as hawks, falcons, egrets, and herons are expected, and spider monkeys can be seen – and heard chattering – in the trees. Dainty Jacanas birds alight on the lily pads, and crocodiles may bask in the morning sunlight.

As the boat enters the New River Lagoon, the temples of Lamanai (Maya for “Submerged Crocodile”) rise into view. Passengers are sure to marvel as they disembark. The site museum gives a historical presentation, and the opportunity to view some of the Maya artifacts discovered at Lamanai, before the archeological walk that takes travelers back over a thousand years in time. Walking through actual plazas and temples that were once of paramount importance to the ancient civilization, visitors will feel the vibrancy and mystery of the Maya. You will also visit the Jaguar Temple, the High Temple, and the ball court where the Maya played their famous ballgame.

The chatter of birdlife and the haunting call of the Howler Monkeys echoes through the once bustling ruins. Guides are highly knowledgeable, and will explain how various trees and plants on the walk played major roles in the past, both medicinally and as food sources. Back at Lamanai Landings for a lunch at Smoky Mermaid II, a seat on the banks of the New River and some traditional cuisine provides a relaxing atmosphere for visitors to reflect on the history they’ve witnessed.